Hired killers receive life sentences for murdering ACDP councillor during church service

TWO men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of ACDP councillor Pastor John Myaka while he was praying for his congregation in his church.

- NOMONDE ZONDI [e-mail]

The Ngwelezane Regional court found that the State succeeded in proving that Phakamani Eugene Khumalo and Sandile Mthokozisi Mabuyakhulu conspired and shot Myaka dead on June 27, 2023. The motive for the murder stemmed from a property dispute. Myaka, from the Nseleni area, had purchased a house in December 2022 in Macekane from Nonhlanhla Luthuli, who has since died, for R70 000, paying a R20 000 deposit.

Luthuli remained on the property, citing the need for a traditional ceremony before moving out, a delay Myaka accepted. She then requested half the sale price, which Myaka subsequently paid.

However, the ceremony did not take place, and Luthuli did not vacate the house. Despite this, Myaka began fencing the property and continued with his building plans.

Luthuli later demanded the outstanding balance, which Myaka eventually paid after reluctance.